Two of the leads hail from beloved Seattle bands and transform before your eyes into their iconic roles in this limited-time show.
Alexander Kilian as Jesus and Molly Sides as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar at the 5th Avenue Theatre Two of the leads hail from beloved Seattle bands and transform before your eyes into their iconic roles in this limited-time show.
Running through May 17, the production crackles with high-octane energy, using a gritty modern lens to show how this 2,000-year-old story still resonates today. From the opening notes, Director Bill Berry establishes that this story has lasted through the ages. The show kicks off with a high-stakes sequence between a group of Green Berets running from law enforcement officers who look strikingly like ICE agents.
As they spray-paint graffiti reading "Jesus is Coming," the tension of modern-day political and social upheaval is front and center. Alexander Kilian as Jesus and Mari Nelson as Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar at the 5th Avenue Theatre The wardrobe further bridges the centuries, creating a sense of "every time.
" One moment, you’ll see a French Revolution flare; the next, the stage is filled with turn-of-the-century long dresses and overcoats. Even the choreography evolves before your eyes as can-can dancers seamlessly shift into '60s go-go style. It’s a visual reminder that while the costumes change, the human struggle remains the same. The production isn't afraid to lean into a bit of modern wit.
In a clever nod to our digital age, the Last Supper features three delivery drivers dropping off pizza and takeout for the apostles. To document the event, Mary Magdalene snaps a Polaroid photo while the apostles strike a pose. Perhaps a commentary on our need to archive every moment? As Judas famously sings, "If you'd come today, you could have reached a whole nation...
Israel in 4 BC had no mass communication.
" In this production, that lyric feels less like a question and more like a definitive statement on our need to remain hyper-connected. The 5th is known for attracting world-class talent. This cast, composed of many local performers, proves it is no different while maintaining a uniquely "Seattle” feel. Let’s talk about Cameron Lavi-Jones .
The spotlight centers squarely on Lavi-Jones, the powerhouse frontman of Seattle’s own. In his theatrical debut, he proves he is a rising star to watch. His performance reaches a fever pitch when he descends from the rafters for the show-stopping "Superstar," putting a massive exclamation mark on a powerful performance throughout the entire play.
Cameron Lavi-Jones as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at the 5th Avenue Theatre Alexander Kilian is the perfect anchor, , for the show. He displays incredible vocal range, moving from soft, vulnerable moments to a gut-wrenching, powerful rock scream that vibrates through the rafters and is met with raucous applause. Contrasting these two leads is Molly Sides . Sides delivers a heart-tugging, compassionate Mary.
From her deeply moving rendition of "I Don't Know How to Love Him" to the final, crushing moment where she lies prostrate before the cross, her longing for Jesus' affection is the show’s grounding. Sides is no stranger to stage performances, as she co-founded the Seattle rock band Molly Sides as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar at the 5th Avenue Theatre Then, in the second act, along comes Adam Standley as King Herod.
A total crowd-pleaser, Standley’s campy, Napoleon-esque portrayal of King Herod seemed brilliantly on par with Jonathan Groff’s 9-minute performance as King George III in Hamilton—at least to this audience member. Also in the second half, Mari Nelson sends shivers down your spine as she draws you into her inner conflict, with the song “Trial by Pilate”, condemning Jesus to his death. The entire ensemble cast deserves their flowers, too, which included several Cornish College of the Arts alumni.
Their dance steps were stellar and singing superb, all while supporting the story. This production is gritty, loud, and deeply moving. It honors the legendary score of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice while pushing the narrative to reflect our current world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer,is a visceral experience that reminds us why this story still resonates.
This is the kind of show that stays with you long after the final curtain call. Grab your tickets while you can,When: Now playing through May 17, 2026"Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie was back on the show Thursday after she made an unexpected exit during the previous morning's live broadcast. Seattle police are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead Saturday morning at a business in the city’s Lake City neighborhood, authorities said.
The reality star revealed that "over 50" members of the extended family live on a property in Louisiana together. A Texas woman was indicted after authorities said she left her 3-year-old child alone in an apartment while she went out to bars with a friend. Hawaii conservation officers are investigating after a man from Seattle allegedly threw a rock at a Hawaiian monk seal off Maui.
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